46 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS Friday, March 3, 1918 Israel's Diamond Industry Is Expanding YURMAN By rm Zionist Organization n MAT-GAN — Men of all ages and descriptions dart about a gym-sized hall whose northern wall is all windows, from floor to ceil- ing. Some appear to be en- gaged in verbal arguments coupled with wild gestures, while others sit on both sides of long tables, huddl- ing over some obviously ab- sorbing matter. This is the trading floor of the world's largest diamond exchange and Israel's biggest export industry. Like the state itself, the diamond industry of Israel was just an idea 40 years ago. However, when the low countries were overrun by the Nazis, the few shops started by Belgian and Dutch immigrants in Eretz Yisrael became the only source for diamonds for the free world. Since then the industry was on the brink of ex- tinction on several occa- sions. It was only thanks to the devotion of a few fanatics that a steady supply of rough diamonds, a must for a viable economic sector, was assured. After a long struggle, the Diamond Syndicate even took the unprecedented step of allowing Israeli clients to purchase only the quantity required during the man- power shortage caused by the Yom Kippur War. The normal practice is to remove a customer from the exclu- sive list of 270 firms receiv- ing a direct supply when he refuses to accept his allot- ment. Just a decade ago the Is- rael Diamond Exchange moved from its modest Tel Aviv _premises to the new headquarters on the outskirts of Ramat-Gan. Today, the original 28-story building is like a giant on the rampage. Soon to be connected by a two-level bridge is another magnifi- cent structure built on the former site of the Maccabi football stadium, which will almost triple the original capacity of 250 offices de- voted to trading in diamonds. Another building of 15 stories is nearing comple- tion to the north and the New Diamond Club started a 'Couple of years ago will erect its own multi-story premises in the near future. The actual manufac- turing is done in shops scattered around the dis- trict, in Tel Aviv, Natanya, Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and several development towns. In all, about 15,000 people the gig a subscription to THE JEWISH NEWS 17515 W. NINE MILE ROAD Suite 865 Southfield, Michigan 48075 THE JEWISH NEWS 17515 W. 9 Mile Rd. Suite 865 Southfield, Mich. 48075 Gentlemen: Please send gift subscription to: Name Address State City _ From: $12 enclosed Zip Code Amihai Paglin, Begin Adviser TEL AVIV (JTA) — Amihai Paglin, Premier Menahem Begin's adviser on counter-terrorism, died Feb. 25 at age 55 of injuries he sustained in an au- tomobile accident Jan. 28. His wife, Zipora, was kil- Robert Slutzky Diamond Exchange work in the diamond in- dustry, which means that ,provides a livelihood for about 60,000 in all. The leaders of the indus- try are, working hard to as- sure that Israel remains in the lead among the diamond trading and producing cen- ters. The shortage of skilled labor is being overcome by the increasing use of auto- mation. A polishing machine introduced by the syndicate has been im- proved and is now produced locally. In addition, the Diamond Research Insti- tute located at the Haifa Technion has developed an automatic sawing machine for diamonds. The latest laser technol- ogy is employed in cutting diamond crystals and in removing-ugly, black im- perfections which reduce a diamond's value. One firm specializes in treating diamonds with atomic bom- bardment in order to change unattractive coloi-s to lovely hues of canary yel- low, golden brown, green, blue, etc. The existence of the diamond industry is also a base for the develop- ment of related branches, such a _ s the exchange for other precious stones and the manufacture of synthetic star sapphires and rubies, the cutting of emeralds and the pro- duction of finished fine jewelry. In a way, the diamond in- dustry has done for Israel what the watch industry ac- complished for Switzerland. Both countries lack natural resources and have to de- pend On the genius of their artisans. In the case of the Jews, it was the prohibition to own land that made them con- centrate in such trades as diamond polishing in medieval Europe. Little did they dream that this tradi- tion will some day become so important in the economy of a free Jewish state. Robert Slutzky, a builder and founder of the Florida Condominium Association, died Feb. 23 at age 63. Born in Saginaw, Mr. Slutzky resided in Detroit and Windsor prior to retir- ing to North Miami, Fla. He was a member of the Florida Condominium Co-Op Executive Council. He leaves his wife, Rae; two sons, Arnold of South- field and Jerry of Far- mington Hills; three sisters, Mrs. Morris (Edna) Lasser of Lakewood, Calif., Mrs. William (Pauline) Kadushin of Southfield and Mrs. Oscar (Lillian) Skol- nek of Miami Beach, Fla.; and five grandchildren. In- terment Detroit. Soldier Statesmen JERUSALEM (ZINS) — The government of Yitzhak Rabin included three former generals (Rabin, Yigal Allon. and Chaim Bar-Lev). Menahem Begin's government includes five (Moshe Dayan, Ezer Weiz- man, Ariel Sharon, Yigael Yadin and Meir Amit.) It is against the law in Il- linois for a conductor to col- lect fares without his hat on. L led in the accident, and his son, Nuriel, who was driv- ing, remains in the hospital with injuries. Mr. Paglin, a native of Tel Aviv, joined the Irgun at an early age. He soon became known for his military ac- tivities against the British and was made operations chief of the Irgun. Among other actions, he helped confiscate arms from British camps and partici- pated in planning the bomb- ing of the King David Hotel. Burnett Thoryn' Burnett Alfred Thoryn, an active member of Bnai Brith; died Feb. 26 at age 61. Born in Louisville, Ky., Mr. Thoryn lived 15 years in Detroit. He was a past pres- ident of Cleveland's Met- ropolitan Bnai Brith Coun- cil and in Detroit was past president of Maurice Zeiger Lodge of Bnai Brith. A member of the Michi- gan Drug Travelers Associ- ation, Mr. Thoryn was af- filiated with Standard Drugs. He was a World War II veteran, and served in the medical corps of the Air Force. He resided at 10744 Lincoln, Huntington Woods. Mr. Thoryn is survived by his wife, Marjorie; two sons, Michael of Wheaton, Md., and Louis S.; and a daugh-: ter, Wendy. 1 To: The Jewish News 17515 W. 9 Mile Rd. Suite 865 Southfield, Mich. 48075 WEI JUST From Paste in old label C NAME Please Allow Two Weeks c I 1